Why USA Cricket Is Not Growing Despite ICC Push? Bankruptcy & Chaos Explained

By Rohit - Oct 14, 2025 03:19 PM
Last updated on Oct 14, 2025 03:24 PM

Despite the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) consistent push to develop the sport in America, USA Cricket continues to stumble. Governance conflicts, internal revolts, and financial instability have plagued the organization, stunting the game’s growth in a country where cricket has immense potential. Let’s dive deeper into why USA Cricket’s structure is collapsing even as the ICC works to normalize it.

ICC Suspension and Governance Breakdown

On September 23, 2025, the ICC officially suspended USA Cricket (USAC) for non-compliance with its membership criteria. This suspension was not an overnight decision but a long-expected outcome after the 2024 AGM warning. The ICC cited persistent governance failures, lack of transparency, and repeated internal disputes as reasons for this action.

"The ICC’s decision to suspend USA Cricket was based on long-standing governance issues and failure to comply with key membership standards."

Although USA Cricket claimed the suspension came after it terminated its commercial partner, American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the ICC clarified that the suspension had nothing to do with that decision. Instead, it stemmed from ongoing internal dysfunction and the board’s inability to resolve administrative disputes.

Internal Power Struggle and Leadership Crisis

At the center of USA Cricket’s turmoil lies a bitter leadership battle. Chairman Venu Pisike has faced growing opposition from within his own board, as several directors accuse him of manipulating governance structures and extending his term unlawfully.

As reported by Cricbuzz, seven out of nine league presidents voted to recall board director Anj Balasu, one of Pisike’s close allies. This revolt marks a major shift in board power and highlights widespread dissatisfaction with current leadership.

"We raised our voices for transparency and were muted, removed, and humiliated while the people who caused the disaster now write public letters pretending to be heroes," said board member Kuljit Singh Nijjar.

Former independent director Patricia Whittaker and several current directors have accused the leadership of silencing dissent, stacking committees, and ignoring compliance, all of which contributed to the ICC’s suspension.

Financial Crisis and Bankruptcy Filing

Adding to the chaos, USA Cricket filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early October 2025 in Colorado. CEO Johnathan Atkeison described this as a restructuring move, but ACE (American Cricket Enterprises) alleges it was a strategic filing to delay a court hearing over a terminated agreement.

Bankruptcy filings revealed that USA Cricket had just over $50,000 in cash while requesting approval to pay $41,000 in wages, leaving less than $10,000 in hand. Additionally, reports revealed that nearly $500,000 had already been spent on legal fees in 2025 alone.

"The bankruptcy filing appears to have been timed to gain a litigation advantage," ACE argued in its court documents.

This financial instability has created uncertainty across all levels of U.S. cricket, from youth tournaments to the national team’s international tours.

On-Field Challenges and Canceled Events

While board members fight in courtrooms, the players are paying the price. Several domestic and international events have been canceled or delayed, including the USA U19 tour of the West Indies and the planned national men’s training camp in Morrisville.

The federation even had to reconfigure its U19 Men’s National Championship after facility partners linked to ACE withdrew support. Furthermore, the men’s team’s tour to Sri Lanka was postponed as administrators scrambled to manage expenses under bankruptcy restrictions.

"The ICC has been careful to protect player eligibility during suspension, but that only buys time, not trust," noted one official familiar with the matter.

These disruptions not only affect the national team’s preparation but also discourage young cricketers in the U.S., undermining the ICC’s long-term vision of expanding cricket’s global footprint.

Why USA Cricket Is Failing to Grow?

The ICC has poured resources and hope into USA Cricket, viewing it as a key market for the sport’s global expansion. However, the following factors continue to hold back progress:

• Poor governance: Lack of transparency and power struggles have eroded institutional trust.
• Financial mismanagement: Legal disputes and mounting legal fees have drained funds meant for player development.
• Administrative instability: Frequent leadership changes and suspensions have created uncertainty.
• Conflict with ACE: The fallout with its commercial partner has led to infrastructure and funding disruptions.
• On-field neglect: Canceled matches and delayed tours are demotivating players and fans alike.

The Path Forward – Can USA Cricket Rebuild?

The ICC’s normalization committee is expected to step in and oversee USA Cricket’s rebuilding process. The key will be establishing transparent elections, resolving financial disputes, and restoring stakeholder confidence. Critics argue that this will only be possible if the current leadership, including Pisike’s bloc, steps aside.

For now, USA Cricket remains a cautionary tale — a case study in how internal politics can derail even the best-funded and globally supported sports projects.

References

• Cricbuzz – USA Cricket internal governance reports
• ICC Official Statement on USA Cricket Suspension (September 2025)
• USA Bankruptcy Court filings (Colorado District, October 2025)
• ESPNcricinfo – Analysis on USA Cricket’s administrative crisis

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